The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1887-11-27
Countess nalODa.
BY WILKIE COLLINS.
THE THIRD PAKI.
CHAPTER XIII

established at the country seat OF her good
friends--now promoted ion the death OF the
first lord, without of pringl 10 be the new
Lord and Lady Montbarry. The old nurse
was not separated from her mistress
place suited 10 her time Of life had been found
for her in the pleasant Irish household She
was perfectly happy IN her new sphere; and
she spent her first half years dividend from
the Venice Hotel company, with character
istic prodigality, in presents for the children.
Early in the year, also the directors u the
life insurance offices submitted 20 circum-
stances aud paid the $1,000. Immediately
afterward the widow Of the first Lord Mont
barry otherwise the dowager Lady Mont
barryl left England with Baron Riyar for
the United States The baron's object was
announced m the scientific columns of the
newspapers 10 be investigation into the pres
emit state Of experimental chemistry in the
great American republic. His sister informed
inquring friends that she accompanied him
in the hope Of finding consolation ~ change
Of scene after the bereavement that bad
fallen on her. Hearing tins news from Henry
Westwick then paying visit 40 bis brothers
house. Agnes was conscious Of certain
sense of relief with the Atlantic between
US" she said, "surely have done with that
terrible woman now"
Barely week passed after those words bad
been spoken before an event happened which
reminded Agnes Of the "tcrrinie woman"
once more.
On that day Henrys engagements had
obliged him TO return % London. He had
ventured on the morning Of his departure %
press his suit once more ON Agnes. and the
children, as he had anticipated. proved TO be-
the innocent obstacles m the way of bis sue
cess. On the other hand, he had privately
secured firm ally in his slster-in-law
slave little patience" the new Lady Mont
barry had said, "and leave me TO turn the
influence of the children in the right direc-
ton; they can persuade her TO listen 10 you,
and they SHALL
The two ladies had accompanied Henry
and some o,her guests who went away at the
same time 90 the railway station, aud had just
driven back to the house when the servant
announced that "a person Of the name Of R0l-
land was waiting to See her ladyship"
as it "a womanF
Eyes, my lady
Young Lady MontbaTy turned 10 Agnes
"Ths Is the very person she said, "whom
your lawyer thought likely TO belp when he
was trying % trace the lost courier
"You don't mean the English maid who
was with Lady Montbarry at Nenice|
MY dear don't speak of Moutbarry's hor-
rid widow by the name which Is my name
now. Stephen and have arranged % call
her by her foreign title before She was mar
ried am Lady Montbarry,' and she is the
countess In that way there viii be no con-
fusion Yes. Ms. ROLAND was Do my SER
vice before She became the countess maid.
She was perfectly trustworthy person, with
one defect that obliged me b send her away
"A suhen temper which led 60 perpetual conf
plants of her IN the servants hall. Would you
ike TO see here
Ages accepted the proposal m the taiIt
hope of getting some information for The
courer's wife The complete defeat OF every
attempt 70 trace the lost man had been ac.
cepted as final 10y Mrs FeTan She had de-
hberately araved herself in widows mourn
ing, and was earning her livelihood IN any
employment which the unwearied kindness
Of Agnes had procured for her in London
The last chance Of penetrating tine mystery
Of Ferrar', disappearance seemed to resi-
now ON what FeTar's former fellow servant
might be- able 90 tell With highly wrought
expectations, Agnes followed her friend into
the room i'm which Mrs Roland was waiting
A tall bony woman in the autumn of life,
with suuken eyes AMI iron gray hair, ross
stifily from her chair and saluted the ladies
with stern submission as they opened the
door, a person of unblemished character
evidenty-but not without visible draw
backs Big hushy eyebrows, an awtully deep
and solemn voice. harsh, unbendng man
ner complete absence IN her figure OF the
uudulating lines characteristic of the sex,
presented virtue IN this excellent person
under its least alluring aspect Strangers on
first introduction 10 her were accustomed
10 wonder why she was %. man.
"Are YOU pretty well, Nj, ROLAND"
81 am as we'll as | can expect 20 be, my lady.
At my time of life
as there anything can do for you"
"Your ladyship can do me a great favor II
you will please speak to my character while
was in your service. ! am offered place %
wait on am invalid lady who mas lately come
70 live in this ueighborhood.
"Ah. vc,-l have heard of her \ Mrs.
Carbury. with "a very pretty niece. am told.
But, Mrs. ROLAND, you left my service come
time ago Mrs Carbury viii surely expect
you TO refer % the last mistress by whom
you were employed
A flash OF virtuou, Indignation ilTadiated
Mrs. hollands sunken eyes She coughed
before she answered, as if her last mistress
stuck IN her throat.
Il have explained 10 Mrs Carbury, my
lady, that the person | last served really
pauno, give her title in your laiyships pres
encel-has left England for America. Mrs.
Carbury knows that quilted the person OF
my own free viii and knows why, and APP
proves Of my conduct so far 4 word from
your ladyship will be amply sufficient to get
me the situation"
"Nery we'll Mrs ROLAND, have no objec-
ton to be your reference, under the circum-
stances Mrs Carbury will find me at home
tomorrow until > o'clock.
Mrs. Carbury is not well enough to leave
he house. my lady Her niece, Miss Hal
dame, will call and make the inquiries, Il
your ladyship has no objection.
II have not the least objection The pretty
niece carries her own welcome with her.
Wait a minute, Mrs ROLAND This lady is
Miss LocSwOod-my husbands cousin, and
my friend She is anxious to speak 10 you
about the courier who was i'll the late Lord